When was the last time you replaced your car battery? If you can't remember, then it may be a good idea to bring your car in for battery testing at a local auto supply shop. Many stores offer this service for free, and it's a great way to determine just how much "juice" is left in your car's battery. In the meantime, there are some other red flags you can be on the lookout for that might indicate the need for battery replacement.
Your Car Struggles to Start
Your car's battery needs to draw a lot of power to aid in starting the engine. Once the engine has started, the alternator takes over and the battery is no longer needed to power the engine. If you're noticing that your car seems to struggle a little more than it used to when first starting the engine, this is probably a sign that the battery is low. Eventually, your vehicle won't be able to start at all, so it's better to replace your battery now than to need a jump start down the road.
It's More Than Five Years Old
Most vehicle batteries these days can last for about five years before they will likely need to be replaced, so if your battery is more than five years old or if you can't remember the last time you replaced it, there's a good chance it's time.
Your Car Emits a "Rotten Egg" Smell
Interestingly enough, when a car's battery has shorted or become overcharged, it can sometimes begin to vent gas that will actually smell like rotten eggs; this is a sure sign that your battery needs replacing, as a shorted or overcharged battery cannot be repaired. Over time, that leaking gas can also damage other components of your car, so this is not something you'll want to put off.
Your "Check Engine" Light is On
Believe it or not, a low vehicle battery will actually cause the "check engine" light in some vehicles to illuminate. This will vary from one car to the next, however, as some cars have a separate dashboard light for a low battery indicator. Check your vehicle owner's manual to find out which dashboard light applies to your car.
If your vehicle is showing any of these signs, it's probably time to replace your battery. At the very least, you should have it tested at your local auto shop.
